Ca Mau (VNA) ও- Fifty years after the liberation of the South and national reunification, Dam Doi district in the southernmost province of Ca Mau has seen significant changes. Once a land devastated by bombs, it has now become an area renowned for aquaculture, identified as the district's key economic sector and a major aquaculture hub of the province.

Promoting revolutionary traditions

During the two resistance wars against French colonialists and US imperialists, Dam Doi served as a revolutionary base and a solid base that safely sheltered the leadership agencies of the province, the military region, and the southern office of the Party Central Committee. This area witnessed fierce battles and many resounding victories. Notable events include the sinking of a French ship in Muong Dieu Canal in 1947, the siege of the Tan Duc and Tan Thuan forts in 1960, direct confrontations at the Dam Doi sub-district in 1961, and the victories of Dam Doi, Cai Nuoc, and Cha La in 1963. Notably, in Tran Phan commune, a major battle in 1963 led to the complete elimination of the Cha La stronghold. Throughout the 21 years of resistance against US imperialists, the Party organisation, armed forces, and people of the commune overcame countless hardships, sacrifices, and dangers, fought with resilience and made a significant contribution to the district’s glorious victory. According to Ngo Tu Hai, Secretary of the commune Party Committee, on January 6, 1978, Tran Phan was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces by the State President. In peacetime, the local Party organisation, military, and people have continued to uphold their revolutionary tradition, writing new chapters of glory with achievements in socio-economic development, maintaining national defence and security, and consistently improving the lives of local residents. A key turning point came in 2000, when the commune shifted its production structure from rice cultivation to shrimp farming. As a result, the average annual income per capita has reached 59 million VND (2,270 USD). The commune now has road access to its centre, a well-equipped health station, spacious schools, access to the national power grid, and an improved rural landscape.

Changes in the heroic district

The achievements of the Party organisation, armed forces, and people of Dam Doi during the resistance wars are a great source of pride. It now boasts seven communes that have been awarded the title of Heroic Commune, 11 Heroes of the People's Armed Forces, and 332 Heroic Vietnamese Mothers. Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, and building on the glorious revolutionary traditions from the resistance wars, the Party organisation, armed forces, and people of Dam Doi have accurately identified the district’s potential and advantages. With appropriate decisions and tireless efforts, hard work, and creativity in labour and production, significant changes have been seen, with many important achievements across various sectors.

The district's economic structure has shifted in a right direction, with a strong growth rate (averaging 7–10% per year). It has effectively harnessed the potential of its coastal wetland areas to develop aquaculture. To date, nine out of the 15 communes in the district have been recognised as meeting new-style rural area standards. The living standards of local residents have steadily improved, with the average annual income per capita exceeding 62 million VND. Social welfare policies and support for those who have rendered service to the nation are consistently and thoughtfully implemented./.